Team News Central midfield is once again a concern for manager Kenny Dalglish.

Jay Spearing, who was expected to provide the long-term replacement for Lucas Leiva after the Brazilian's season was ended by a cruciate knee ligament, begins a three-match suspension after his red card at Fulham on Monday.

Captain Steven Gerrard is still recovering from an ankle infection so Jordan Henderson could start in his favoured central position, although the in-form Jonjo Shelley has continued to impress following his recall from a loan spell at Blackpool.

QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt will undergo a fitness test on a thigh strain.

Matt Connolly, Kieron Dyer and DJ Campbell returned to training this week and have an outside chance of being involved.